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Articles by Blaine Wheeler
Wrestlers move on to state tournament | by Blaine Wheeler | February 6, 2020 | Sports
Southern Utah News Articles >Front Page>Articles>Sports>
February 6, 2020 by Blaine Wheeler Last weekend, the Kanab High wrestling team traveled to the Divisional tournament in Parowan, Utah, to wrestle for a place in the state tournament to be held this weekend, February 7-8, at the Sevier Valley Center in Richfield, Utah. Mikey Warino came into the tournament with a #2 seed in the 195-pound class and battled his way through a tough bracket.
Missouri State has record-setting offensive night in rout of William Woods
Blaine Wheeler, Special to the News-Leader Published 8:24 p.m. CT Dec. 30, 2018 Dana Ford(Photo: Missouri State University) Missouri State scored the most points in JQH Arena’s 10-year history making a school record 17 3-pointers in its rout over in-state NAIA-foe William Woods. Bears senior center Obediah Church, who has been absent from the team, watched from the stands as the Bears started slowly missing its first four shots from the field to trail 8-5 three minutes into the contest.
Missouri State remains winless on the road after loss at Arkansas State
Blaine Wheeler, Special to the News-Leader Published 10:22 p.m. CT Dec. 18, 2018 New Missouri State Bears Head Coach Dana Ford shouts instructions to players as the Bears take on the Evangel Crusaders at JQH Arena on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018.(Photo: Nathan Papes/News-Leader)Buy Photo Missouri State’s struggles away from JQH Arena continued Tuesday night in Arkansas.
North Dakota State spoils Jared Ridder's Missouri State debut
Blaine Wheeler, Special to the News-Leader Published 10:33 p.m. CT Dec. 15, 2018 Buy Photo Buy Photo Buy Photo Buy Photo Buy Photo Buy Photo Buy Photo Buy Photo Buy Photo Buy Photo Buy Photo Interested in this topic?
Dana Ford takes blame for loss after Missouri State's poor performance at Air Force
Blaine Wheeler, Special to the News-Leader Published 11:21 p.m. CT Nov. 28, 2018 Buy Photo Missouri State against Oral Roberts University at JQH Arena in Springfield on November 6, 2018. Coach Dana Ford is seen at the game.(Photo: Bruce E. Stidham/Special to the News-Leader)Buy Photo New Missouri State head coach Dana Ford took the blame after his team’s worst loss of the young season.
Missouri State drops third straight with loss at Murray State
Blaine Wheeler, Special to the News-Leader Published 10:02 p.m. CT Nov. 24, 2018 Buy Photo Missouri State suffered a 77-66 loss to Murray State on Saturday in Murray, Kentucky.(Photo: Andrew Jansen/News-Leader)Buy Photo Missouri State traveled to Murray State on Saturday looking to learn a lot about themselves against an opponent familiar to head coach Dana Ford.
A year of growth
The 2018-19 Missouri State basketball team is full of question marks. The Bears return three seniors, two of which are starters from last season: starters Obediah Church and Jarred Dixon and senior Ryan Kreklow, who came off the bench last season. Others have yet to play meaningful minutes in Division I college basketball. This team will experience a learning curve, and the Bears are open about that.
Bears beat ranked opponent for first time since 2016
Missouri State and Northern Arizona met for the first time in history Saturday at Plaster Stadium.Many would call this Missouri State’s first true home game after last Thursday’s odd weather move up.Bearfest Village was packed as usual, the student crowd was miniscule — as usual — but the Missouri State football program did not play as usual, winning 40-8 over No. 20 Northern Arizona.
Missouri State handles Lincoln after bouncy start
The Missouri State Bears marched their way through the middle of campus and a mob of students getting to their 11 a.m. class. Meanwhile the football team was on its way to an 11 a.m. football game.The Missouri State vs. Lincoln University home opener at Plaster Stadium opened as weird as it sounds.Bearfest Village tents were put up along campus’ foyer north of Plaster Stadium early this week, but taken down yesterday.
Lawrence announces his leave, Fofana to redshirt in upcoming season
Missouri State Basketball announced two roster moves for the upcoming 2018-19 basketball season.Sophomore point guard Mustafa Lawrence, who started the last nine regular season games last season, will not return to Springfield.Junior forward Abdul Fofana, who was victim to a season ending foot injury Jan. 22 known as the cryotherapy ciris, will redshirt for the 2018-19 season. His health is still not 100 percent after the injury.
Bears' late inning heroics
A pitching duel produced one of the shortest and most thrilling games of the Bears early season, with Missouri State beating California State Northridge 3-2 Friday afternoon.The other most thrilling was a comeback win just two days ago when the Bears scored two runs in the ninth inning to win in extra innings by one run.Friday afternoon’s win was in a similar, yet not so lengthy, fashion. The Bears scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to win by one run.
From Newark to Springfield
In the heart of Newark, New Jersey, in Grace West Manor, full of violence and drug activity, a young Mustafa Lawrence experienced a different life than he would have had in Springfield, Missouri. His father called him an “adrenaline junkie” since he was a little boy. He was the first kid in his neighborhood with a dirt bike. His high school coach still called him a “legend.” He is one of the first to have three state basketball championships to his name.
Bears first pitch ceremony highlighted local legend, brought clarification for positions
A postponement to Sunday and a severe ice storm didn’t stop the Missouri State Bears baseball team from starting its season in the plus. Just five days away from the first pitch of the 2018 baseball season, around 300 Bear fans, Al Hrabosky and the Missouri State baseball team gathered at Hammons Field training complex to raise money and throw the ‘first pitch’ of the season.
Bears win second straight over Purple Aces
The Missouri State Bears went with the same lineup that has worked recently, one that included freshman guard Mustafa Lawrence and one that has produced in the paint.Lawrence and cast went on to beat the University of Evansville Purple Aces, 72-55.The game started with the young “spark” as teammate junior forward Obediah Church called him. Lawrence hit a three from the wing to put the Bears on the scoreboard first. Lawrence finished with 12 and scored nine of the Bears first 19.
Bears drop yet another to the Redbirds
Missouri State basketball head coach Paul Lusk mentioned the Bears inability to score on the perimeter Monday in a interview with the Missouri Valley Conference. A day later at JQH Arena, it continued to show.A slow start kept the Missouri State Bears in college basketball limbo for nearly all 40 minutes of their contest against Illinois State on Tuesday, as the Bears dropped their fourth straight game 76-60 to fall to 15-9, 5-6 on the season.
Preview: Missouri State hits the road to take on Western Kentucky
Will senior forward Alize Johnson play or not? That is the big question looming as we're just one day away from Missouri State’s season opener vs. Western Kentucky, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m."He is doing great, that is all I can tell you," head coach Paul Lusk said Wednesday. "He is progressing and we are very pleased. We said it would be four to six weeks; it is a matter of getting him into shape now."However, with or without Johnson, the Hilltoppers are talented with a Johnson of their own.
The College of the Ozarks Unveils Required Military Science
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - A new required course at the College of the Ozarks is unlike anything most four-year schools see. The college is requiring all students to take part in a military science class. The course was first shown today through patriotic education and fitness. The C of O says it's unique for this course to be required at a non-military school and is meant to strengthen patriotism. The pilot program launched last year and, according to the college, was a success.
Friends of the Library Book Sale Raises big for Springfield
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.- Hundreds of people visited the Friends of the Library Book Sale to shop nearly 200,000 books, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks and more all for under 5 dollars, from Oct. 18-22. The sale, at the Ozark Empire Fair Grounds, raised $143,264. Proceeds from the event will help pay for library programs, concerts, equipment purchases and building improvements in the Springfield-Greene County Library District.
Missouri State Selected to Help Create Better Grapes, Faster
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Missouri State's research team is helping create the next generation of grapes. The team was approved to take part in a research project, VitisGen 2, that uses genomic technology to create better varieties of grapes, faster. The project, led by Cornell University, is a collaboration of 25 scientists from 11 different institutions around the US, one of them being Missouri State.
The Kitchen, Inc. Hires New Chief Executive Officer
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - The Kitchen, Inc. announced it hired Meleah Spencer as its new Chief Executive Officer today. According to The Kitchen, Spencer is a native of southwest Missouri and has spent the last 10 years in fundraising and development. She formerly worked as the Executive Director at the Discovery Center of Springfield. Spencer says she has a passion to prevent and end homelessness that began when she met Sister Lorraine Biebel during a school project in college.
Man Shot in Leg Tells Police Who Shot Him, Suspect Arrested
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Springfield police are investigating the shooting of a man near the 2000 block of North Jefferson just before 11 a.m. today.Police say the victim was shot three times in the leg in the front yard of a house. As arriving the victim was able to tell police who he believed shot him.Officers went to the alleged person's home, arrested him and recovered his weapon. Investigators say there was an ongoing dispute between the two parties.
Concert at the Botanical Gardens Helps Raise Money For Local
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.- Music filled the air of the Springfield Botanical Gardens this afternoon in what was the last event for the Gardens Americana Concert Series. The event, that is normally outdoors, was moved inside because of the weather conditions. However, the concert still did its purpose. The concert helped raise money for many projects, including a Prairie Garden at Kickapoo High School.
Book Sale Raises Funds for Greene County Library System
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.- Hundreds of people visited the E-Plex at the Ozark Empire Fair Grounds to look over 200,000 books all for under 5 dollars. The books are donations, with the money from the event going straight to the Greene County library system, which supports dozens of projects including the recent Bentwood Library renovation. The president of Friends of the Library says the sale simply gets reasonably priced books into people's hands.
Man Dies in Howell County Crash
Copyright 2017 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. HOWELL, Mo. - Rodney Winchester, 69 of Caulfield, is dead after hitting a tree off Route FF 12 miles southwest of West Plains, Mo. Winchester was partially ejected from his car during the crash and pronounced dead at the scene.
Crosslines is now Accepting Applications for Holiday Assistance
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Greene County residents can apply for Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets and toys for children through Crosslines. Crosslines assists families with school-age or younger children living in the household or families where everyone is over the age of 60. In order to apply, applicants must have a social security care for every member of the household and a current piece of mail to verify your address in Greene County.
Fake Insurance Tax Form Scam Aims at Stealing Data from Tax Pros,
WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service alerted tax professionals today about a fake insurance tax form scam that is being used to access annuity and life insurance accounts. Cybercriminals are combining several tactics to create a complex scheme that affects both tax professionals and taxpayers. There may be variations but here’s how a scam works: The cybercriminal, impersonating a legitimate cloud-based storage provider, entices a tax professional with a phishing email.
McCaskill, Blunt Team up to Pitch Missouri for new Amazon
WASHINGTON - Missouri U.S. Senators Claire McCaskill, a Democrat and Roy Blunt, a Republican join together in support of the applications by the St. Louis and Kansas City regions for Amazon’s future corporate headquarters.
Benefit the Badge Raises Money for Law Enforcement
BRANSON, Mo. - A special effort continued in Branson to benefit and show support for local law enforcement agencies, Sunday. This weekend the Fogle Family Foundation hosted the Benefit the Badge Fall Classic, a baseball game, in continuation of a fundraising effort that started last spring which raised more than 110,000 dollars. The baseball games featuring law enforcement and Branson celebrities helped to raise money to buy equipment and help meet equipment needs for local sheriffs and police.
Firefighter Digs Grave for Family Dog Killed in House Fire
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A Little Rock family reunites with their hero. When they lost their home in a fire Friday afternoon, the family also lost their dog Mister who was trapped inside. But Firefighter Ron Hampton went beyond the call of duty to give their four-legged family member a proper burial. Lashondra Newsom and her 3 boys were out running errands Friday afternoon, when she says their hot water tank exploded.
Apple Butter Makin' Days Runs for 51st Time
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. - This weekend Mount Vernon hosted its 51st annual Apple Butter Makin' Days bringing hundreds of people to the town. The fair includes cooking demonstrations, vendors, live music and draws crowds from across the state. This years event It also draws people from every corner of Missouri and other states, some even came from California this year. And organizers brought back peach butter this year too.
Top 5 Stories of the Week: October 9-15
Here are the five stories you read the most this week on KOLR10.com: Click the link to read the story. MOUNTAIN VIEW, Mo. -- An officer with the Missouri State Highway Patrol and a recent employee of the Mountain View-Birch Tree School District has been charged with four counts of exploitation of a minor and having sexual contact with a student in that district. NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WIVB) - Parents in North Tonawanda could end up behind bars if their child is found bullying others.
Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Hosts, Preforms Harry Potter Party
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Harry Potter books got a whole generation of young people reading. The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra took a chance to see if music from the wizarding world would bring them in for a concert. The Orchestra hosted a party, parade and gathering for fans, families and music lovers in Little Rock. Then, the performance featured the symphonic music from the film series. The looks on the faces of the wizards and witches say it paid off.
Texas Tech Student Accused of Killing Officer is Caught, Lockdown
The death toll from Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico has risen to 34,…
9th Annual Putts for Paws Charity Event Held
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Teams met on the golf course today to help raise money for some furry friends. The ninth annual Putts for Paws Charity Golf Tournament was held at Highland Springs Country Club today. Volunteer Eda Bates says the tournament is crucial to help raise money for the medical care of its animals, which costs about 45,000 dollars per year. "They're getting food, C.A.R.E. is able to take in more animals, get animals adopted out, they get the medicine, the medical care that they need.
Branson to Consider Food Truck Ordinance Changes
BRANSON, Mo. - Branson leaders are considering changes to the city's food truck ordinance. The Music City started allowing food trucks in February of this year. Current laws say a food truck can only operate on the same property for 52 consecutive days. Branson, because of suggestions from food truck operators and local businesses, is considering allowing a property owner to host a food truck year round if they so choose.
Arkansas Resident Files Complaint Against Turkey Drop Tradition
YELLVILLE, Ark. - According to a report by the Baxter Bulletin an Arkansas resident has filed a complaint against the Turkey Drop Tradition in Yellville. The tradition is pretty straightforward, a plane that is piloted by a city council member drops turkeys from the sky to be later chased down by attendees. More than a dozen turkeys were released from an airplane during last year's festival, with at least two failing to slow their descent and dying upon impact.
Man Charged in Drive-By Killing of Tyler Rambo
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -One of two suspects in the drive-by murder of Tyler Rambo at Dayton Mobile Home Park has been charged. Greene County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Patterson announces Dameon P. W. Clinghan, 24, of Atwater, California is facing charges of first-degree murder, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon and felon in possession of a firearm. This comes after an arrest made earlier today of two 24-year-olds in connection with the shooting death.
Springfield Brew Co. Beer Wins Gold At Denver Based Festival
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Springfield Brewing Company brought home a gold medal from the Great American Beer Festival this weekend with its beer, Bull Creek Brown Ale. The Springfield based brewery entered in the contest in Denver, Colorado for the twelfth time. Over a three day period judges tasted beer from across the world, winners were chosen out of 7,923 competition entries from 2,217 breweries in 50 states plus Washington, D.C making it the largest of its kind in the world.
Santa Rosa Fires Destroy 1,500 Homes and Buildings, Force
NAPA COUNTY, Calif. -- More than a dozen wind-whipped wildfires continue to rage across Northern California wine country, burning buildings, forcing thousands of evacuations and injuring several people, reports CBS San Francisco. According to Cal Fire assistant deputy director Daniel Berlant, one person was killed in the Redwood Complex Fire in Mendocino County. California's fire chief says at least 1,500 homes and commercial buildings have been destroyed.
Arkansas Infant Killed in Accidental Shooting
HELENA-WEST HELENA, Ark. (localmemphis.com) - The father of a 2-month-old girl has been arrested after police say his daughter was accidentally shot and killed. The Helena-West Helena Police Department (HWHPD) says Kevin Minniefield, 30, is charged with manslaughter and child endangerment. The shooting happened just after 10 p.m. Friday in the 300 block of Dinan Street. Police say Minniefield was trying to unload his gun when it went off and a shot struck the baby.
Two Arrested in Springfield Drive-By Shooting
GREENE COUNTY, Mo.- Two 24-year-old Springfield residents have been arrested in connection with the shooting death of Tyler Rambo, 28, of Springfield. “We have worked straight through to get these suspects in custody. We hope this brings some resolution to the victim’s family and our community that these violent suspects are in jail," said Sheriff Arnott. Charges have been presented to the Greene County Prosecutors Office for review.
One Injured in Car-Motorcycle Accident in Osage Beach
Copyright 2017 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. OSAGE BEACH, MO. - A car struck a motorcycle as it was changing lanes the 4100 block going eastbound on Osage Beach Parkway lanes, October 6. A white 2015 Buick Enclave, operated by 63-year-old Marty R. Morgan of Rolla, struck a 1995 Honda Magna 750 motorcycle, operated by Terry L. Parsons of Osage Beach as Morgan was changing lanes.
New Regulations on Pay-day Loans
WASHINGTON - New rules on payday loans were issued this week. The loans, usually up to 1,000 dollars, must be paid back when borrowers receive their paycheck. The consumer Financial-Protection Bureau argues that most people taking out the loans can't afford it. So they developed a set of new rules to vet finances, limit loan frequency, prevent penalty fees and create new guidelines for smaller loans. The rules take effect July 2019.
Springfield Ballet Hosts Workshop for Young Boys
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Young boys got a chance to improve their dance skills this afternoon thanks to a free workshop hosted by Springfield Ballet. Boys ages 7 through 12 are being taught a variety of dances, including ballet, jazz, and modern. They also are improving their strength and conditioning.
Gamers Battle at the Springfield Expo Center
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - The three-day game convention, also known as GAME, wrapped up October 8 at the Springfield Expo Center. Since Friday, local gamers have battled across multiple mediums including video games, board games, and card games. Cosplayers got to dress up as their favorite video game character or superhero. The head of the entertainment expo says the community is what brings everyone together. "We get kind of a bonding thing going on with all of our local geeks to know each other.
VIDEO: Webcast, October 8
The death toll from Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico has risen to 34,…
People With Disabilities Get Experience of a Lifetime in NWA
Fayetteville, AR -- - On Saturday, for the first time in two decades some Northwest Arkansans experienced something they thought they'd never get to enjoy again. People with disabilities ranging from cerebral palsy, blindness, and down syndrome got the chance to ride a bike. "We were coming down the hill on Gregg street we were really picking up speed, all I could do was smile. It's just a wonderful feeling to be back riding again," said Rita Reese-Whiting, a participant in Saturday's event.
Local Smoothie Shop Dedicates, Donates for Las Vegas
BRANSON, Mo. - A Branson business, owned by two Las Vegas natives, held a fundraiser for victims of the shooting massacre. Juicy Smoothie donated 50 percent of its proceeds to the Go Fund Me account named Las Vegas Victims' Fund. Its doors were open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. today. The owners moved to Missouri two years ago and now, with the help of the folks from the Ozarks, they can help others in their hometown. "I just feel like I need to help.
Designer of KCI Airport Releases Rendering for Single Terminal
KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) - Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate LLC released their first rendering for a single-terminal design at Kansas City International Airport on Thursday. Following the vote, Kansas City Mayor Sly James said it was time to move forward to Nov. 7, when a vote will be held. Edgemoor will begin to build its design team in the next 90-120 days. Geoffrey Stricker of Edgemoor said the firm is committed to what they proposed.
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